These include a compressor, booster, U­Vibe, vibrato, tremolo or wah. With the SV-2 and its expanded 72-sound preset library, you’re getting double the amount of sounds of the original SV-1. I love the forward facing controls. Our review is mainly based around the 88-key Korg SV-2 with speakers. The first comparison will be of the following keyboards: the Korg Grandstage 73 keyboard which has a price of €1.599/$1999/£1,499 and the Korg SV2 73 with a price €1.799/$1899/£1,666, with a difference of €166 we will analyze the … You have 4 vectors and can morphed with the joystick. And even now, I’m still torn between the two. Korg SV2 88 The KORG SV-288 is a 88-keys Stage Vintage Piano Never before has a single instrument captured the signature sound, the unique performance experience, and the aesthetic satisfaction of so many definitive keyboards as the KORG SV-2 Stage Vintage. The one thing that throws a wrench into the works is the software editor of the SV-2. I usually cover external software in the Features section, but I think the bundled editor software merits its own section here. The default sound is the ‘German Grand’, which is likely a Steinway concert grand, and features the brand’s signature massive, yet controlled sound. Apart from differences in weight, dimensions, and key count, the instruments are completely identical. Yes, it’s a digital piano, so there are obviously a few technical elements to the piano. This isn’t outright stated, but I suspect this is a sampled Yamaha C-series concert grand, which is well known for its clean, never-overpowering sound that easily adapts to most genres and playing situations without requiring too much effort on mixing. I believe that they did an incredible job in this department as I feel like the electric pianos sound great & the pianos do as well. Depending on how you use a stage piano, these might just be minor gripes, but I find them somewhat unacceptable, especially since most other stage pianos (and even budget keyboards!) I personally find these to be really great sounding speakers, with clean tonality throughout, and clean, non-overpowering lows that plague most built-in speakers. Everyone knows that the SV-1 was all about the electric piano sounds. Show all. This DS-1H is slightly smaller, but it is solidly built, and also supports half-damper capabilities, which is something you’d likely want for extra expressiveness. At NAMM 2020, Korg finally announced the long-awaited update to this beloved stage piano, the SV-2. It really gives you this feeling of nostalgia all while delivering some incredible sounds. This was to be expected as the SV-1 did this very well as well. Finally, there are stereo balanced XLR outputs, which dismiss the need for a DI box. Our review is mainly based around the 88-key Korg SV-2 with speakers. At this point, most problems can be attributed to its old age, but it’s quite impressive to find the SV-1 topping sales charts and wishlists, especially since there are far better options out there. 64 presets isn’t exactly a lot, but it does allow you to save some custom presets that you’ve tailored to your own liking. You stack instruments and effects in a rack-style interface, and many knobs are available to be turned via your mouse clicks for parameter modification. For the sake of conciseness, I won’t be discussing the individual effects in detail, but just know that all of them are great. The modulation section is next, and it features 3 chorus variations, a phaser, a flanger, and a speed-switchable rotary speaker. Next, your signal runs through the valve-supported amp simulations. It is disappointing, and I am consider returning it unfortunately. Synthesizers. This time, the tube tends to run less hot, with the illumination effect being strictly LED-based. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences. The delays can be synced to a tempo via the tap button. If you’ve read our previous reviews, ... For around $600 more, you can get the Korg SV2-73, which has Korg’s excellent RH3 action at the cost of a full-range 88-key keyboard. The key takeaway I have to give is that the RH3 keys feel natural. Korg have dubbed the SV1's sound generator 'RX'(Real eXperience) technology, because it steps beyond the usual samples and effects to include an additional layer containing the noises that often accompany the principal sounds: noises such as damper pedal 'thunk', key releases, clackety keys, and undamped resonances. Note: The SV-2 does not come with built-in speakers. Born out of the ashes of Sequential and their Prophet VS vector synth, the original Korg Wavestation was one of the defining instruments of the early ’90s. The valve does add an undeniable warmth, but the amp sims themselves are already fairly good at adding warmth to your sounds. Disclaimer: There may be affiliate links on this page and others. A few weeks back we took a ‘First Look’ at Korg’s new SV-2 Stage Piano, a major upgrade to their classic SV-1 introduced way back in 2009. With this being said, for an additional cost, you can get the SV-2S which comes with speakers. As far as the sounds go, this is completely subjective. 2 Your email address will not be published. However, the Korg keys are absolutely a step above The Nord offering, so if you play more piano then the SV2 is the choice. The distinctive retro styling isn’t just for show, as these controls have a good amount of heft and feedback to them, making every movement precise and tactile. For example, the Korg Grandstage, which has a similar sound engine with more robust editing capabilities. A quick 30-minute playtest with the SV-2 should be able to let you know if it’s what you’re after. The deeper, booming sound of the ‘Austrian Grand’ preset might also appeal to people who play classical pieces. The cabinet sim is linked to the amplifier type, but you can edit this through the software editor. I’ve been playing keyboards for over 20 years and this is the place that I love to share my knowledge. Korg did an incredible job putting in the same effort to the piano sounds of the SV-2. The SV-1 packed some incredible electric piano sounds, however, the SV-2 also does the same while adding some great piano & organ sounds as well. It contains many of the original waves and some from the expansion cards plus new ones. I am a bit surprised here, but totally get it! There are room, plate, hall and spring reverbs, whereas there are tape echos and stereo delays too. Both instruments don’t just have similar feature sets, they even sound alike. What sets apart the Korg SV-2 is how it looks. While some might bemoan the keys being purely plastic, I find that they feel just as good as the hybrid wooden keys found on Roland and Yamaha’s similarly priced stage pianos. The included sounds are all well sampled and sound great, and the included amp sims make it one of the best options for electric piano players. Korg makes excellent effects, and you’re in good hands. Guitarists should know that tube-based distortion is really pleasing, and when you use these amps alongside the electric pianos, your playing dynamics is further emphasized. You will need to plan things out early on, otherwise you might find yourself stuck. Alternatively, this is a method of practicing without disturbing your neighbors. In fact, that’s a trend with the sound editing. This knob-based interface is something we’re seeing more and more often on stage pianos. Roland FP-30X Review – Practical, Powerful, & Impressive. However, the only difference between the two is that the SV-2S has a built-n speaker system, the SV-2 doesn’t. For the keyboard world, this is some…. While you can make the argument that I’m spoilt by other products, I think bucking a well-established trend isn’t necessarily a good thing. While the SV-1 has 36 sounds, the SV-2 comes in at 72 sounds. Splitting and layering can only be done from within the software editor, which is a massive downside to any stage piano. But this SV-2 has better sounding acoustic pianos, better split/layer capabilities, and you can get built in speakers? In this article, we are going to be taking a deep look at the Korg SV-2 and everything it has to offer. Finally, you don’t have pitch bend or modulation wheels, a downright sin for stage-focused instruments. As it stands, the SV-2 is a beautiful stage piano with a heavy focus on key-based instruments. Your sound first goes through the 3-band equalizer. You can choose between 73- and 88-key variations, which in turn, have variations with speakers, and without. Most of these controls modify the effects, so let’s talk about those effects. Finally, remember to check if the AC adapter is compatible with your country’s voltages, especially if you’re importing the Korg SV-2. I’d seen a review online about the Korg’s new B2, and thought it might be well suited for me because of its simplicity. It's got 64 voices and each one is stereo and an be assigned like the original. This is particularly relevant this time, as it’s selling like hot cakes. This popular stage piano has graced many bars and stages across the world, mainly thanks to its striking looks and good feature set for the time. It kind of reminds me of a modern-day Rhodes in a way. This is one of the times where I’d say testing things out is mandatory. It currently comes in a glossy black, which is pictured above, as well as a glossy silver. If you’re primarily an acoustic piano player, you’ll feel at home with these keys. Best Prices on Korg Keyboards SV273 73-Key StageVintage Stage Piano with RH3 Hammer Action-Black SV-273 and other Korg Keyboards products at Acclaim Sound and Lighting - Canada's Favourite Music Store . For each preset, tuning curves, program levels, split point, and touch curves are saved separately. I would recommend this over a Nord as I think that it sounds just as good, if not better in my opinion and it’s half the price. Our verdict on Korg’s latest stage piano (Image credit: Korg) Korg’s new D1 stage piano endeavors to bring the feel of a grand piano to the stage and home. With Korg’s RX Technology, each sound is a detailed and authentic re-creation, capturing the full range of expression and dynamics of the original. More info on audio interface here. As far as the effects go, they include a 3-band EQ, red compressor, treble boost, u-vibe, vibrato, tremolo, and VOX wah. The amplitude provided is workable, but I can see it getting swamped in a full band mix without running it through a dedicated mixer. Essentially, if you’re primarily a piano player, the Korg SV-2 has a great selection of sounds for you to work with, and most of them sound great. I do lean towards the electric piano sounds of the SV-2 though. While I wish I had the ability to engage both a delay and a reverb simultaneously, that’s really the only true complaint I have. This isn’t visible from the audience, but I do suggest being extra careful when moving it around, as MDF boards aren’t known for being very sturdy. I thoroughly believe that SV-2 is an upgrade from the SV-1. This bank also features harpsichords and organs. While the rest of the body is generally sturdy, its underside uses cheap-feeling particleboard, the same materials used in the original SV-1. Luke Edwards from Korg UK gives PMTVUK an overview and demonstration of their new Korg SV2 stage piano. Online Guides. The latter is what’s truly impressive. Considering how good the Grandstage sounded, that’s a definite plus in the SV-2’s favor. In the end, I’d say that whether the SV-2 works for you depends solely on your needs and wants. While it’s not as good as the Roland RD-2000’s parametric equalizer, it’s still a good way of doing some on-the-fly mixing. After all, if you need to fill a room with sound, you’ll either be using a PA system, or an amp-cab combo for the best effect. Also, with regards to splitting, there isn’t an intuitive way to make split sounds straight from the front panel controls. He's toured the country with Vinyl Theatre & now has developed a passion for writing about all things keyboards. Ten years ago, KORG launched the Stage Vintage line to wild acclaim. When it comes to stage pianos, design can make or break the product. The keys are made in Miyama, Japan, and feature a graded action, meaning keys at the lower end are heavier than those in the upper range. Most stage pianos opt to forgo speakers. The big takeaway here is that the Korg SV-2 electric pianos are out of this world in my opinion. The sounds available onboard are clearly tailored towards key-focused players, and that’s fine. The piano timbres in the Korg just don’t compare. You don’t need to have the user manual with you to use this keyboard, and that inherent intuitiveness is something I really do like. While it’s still somewhat of a visual gimmick, the warmth it adds to the audio signal is worth it. Roland FP-90X Review – Expressiveness At A New Level, MainStage Alternatives For Both Windows/MAC, Helpful Resources For Keyboardists/Pianists, Simulated pedal noise(emulates acoustic piano), Fantastic sounding pianos, organs & electric pianos. The same sound qualities I loved from that instrument are recreated here. The main thing that Korg seemed to focus on with the SV-2 is to really improve the sounds. The wah pedal also includes auto- and pedal-variations, switchable with a dedicated button. Strings are featured here, and are nicely sampled. its stores in the country listed above). There are also upright acoustic piano variations if you want a more intimate sound, and these feel quite a bit better than the original sounds off the SV-1. This bank generally focused on sustained, orchestral sounds that are rich in harmonics to enhance other sounds. Finally, it’s also worth talking about the less conventional sounds on the Piano 2 sound bank. I’m making this statement because the SV-2 shares quite a lot of similarities with the Korg Grandstage. For reference, the same keys are also used in Korg’s cabinet-style digital pianos, so while their age might imply that they’re outdated, don’t be fooled. The effects, EQ and amp model selections (and pretty much everything else) are child's play with no menu diving at all, though the software editor can go deeper into tailoring the amp modelling, effects, tuning scales and more. I’d be hard pressed to believe that this isn’t the same EP-1 sound engine featured on the Grandstage. As you see can by looking at this keyboard, it has a very vintage feel to it. Well, yes. Essentially, when you switch between presets, the previous sound does not get abruptly cut off. While it’s hard to usurp the unmistakable silhouette of the Nord keyboards, the SV-2 still manages to turn heads with its sleek, curved retro styling. While I can accept not being able to manipulate harmonics on the fly, I wish I had a bit of control with regards to the rotary speeds. The Korg SV2 73 has RH3 technology (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3, which is a real hammer system, typical of the Korg brand). Korg owns VOX after all, and they just released a revision model of the Continental back in 2017. The follow-up to 2010’s acclaimed SV-1 Stage Vintage, the SV-2 is designed to improve upon the stage and grand piano sounds of its predecessor. Smart Navigator. KORG SV2S-73 Stage Piano | Overview & Sound Samples - YouTube You are also getting 72 sounds in total. it is the SV2S model that has a built in speaker system at additional cost. If you’ve used Native Instrument’s Kontakt before, this interface should be familiar. While it’s functional, it lacks the same responsiveness and half-dampering support that makes the DS-1H one of our favorites. This is particularly important here, especially since you’ll likely be using the software editor to make your own sounds. There are, again, 24 sounds split across 2 banks, and I had high hopes for these sounds going in. Depending on how ingrained your muscle memory is, you might notice the slightly shallower key travel of the RH3 action. For the latest contact information, please refer to the Korg.com website. While the SV-1 made some really big waves in the digital piano game, I believe that the SV-2 could make some even bigger waves. The only bands it wouldn’t be great for would-be bands who don’t use a lot of pianos or electric piano sounds and are mainly synth sounds. There’s also the classic Korg M1 Piano, which was ubiquitous in old-school dance tracks thanks to its uniquely dynamic, yet level tonality. The front panel is very simple to use and selecting from the 36 onboard sounds is a doddle using the rotary selectors. This Valve Reactor circuit delivers the added warmth or snarl that only a true 12AX7A vacuum tube can provide. It’s also solid, and shaking is kept to a minimum. The valve tube that lights up is linked to this audio signal chain, which gives sounds a certain warmth when you engage the amp sims. test results: Read review. I personally recommend the Nektar NX-P expression pedal, which is one of the cheapest pedals available online. While you lose out on speakers and the beautiful body shape, you get something that’s more versatile, and plays equally well (as it also uses the RH3 keybed). Notable inclusions here are the Electric Grand, which seems to be an old Yamaha CP-80, which has an iconic hollow tone that works wonders when used as a ballad accompaniment. There is no easy way to make splits or layers without using the software, which is tough, especially since other instruments make this so simple. While the SV-1 made some really big waves in the digital piano game, I believe that the SV-2 could make some even bigger waves. I suggest investing in a superior damper pedal if you do decide to go with the Korg SV-2. While this is not a crazy amount, Korg has packed all of the vital sounds you would need for gigging in most bands. This bank also features the German-made Pianet, which is a less conventional electromagnetic piano sound, which retains the Wurli-style sound, while having its own unique edge. As far as polyphony goes, the SV-2 has 128 note polyphony whereas the SV-1 has 80. It is solid yet lightweight, and works with practically any keyboard out there thanks to its universal polarity switch. I have been enjoying the sv1 for many years. This is the same style used by most of our recently reviewed stage pianos. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For example, you can modulate filter frequencies, rotary speed, and other aspects of the sound without taking your hands off the keys. We’ll be covering things in a linear way, following the signal chain which your sound signal runs through. After running your sounds through the amplifier simulation, the signal then gets passed through the valve tube, before running through a cabinet sim. Because these cautions were based on the laws and societal understandings at the time when each manual was produced, they might not be appropriate for the present time. This would still work for any level of musician, however, it wouldn’t really be needed for beginners as it’s expensive. The Alesis Virtue 88 is Alesis’s brand new entry-level digital piano. Overall, the design is in my opinion, spot on. Sound Engine: EDS-X (Enhanced Definition Synthesis – eXpanded), Effects: EQ, Modulations, Reverbs, Delays, Amp Simulation, Vox Wah, Vibrato, Tremolo and more, Full specs can be found on Korg’s official site. The SV2 contains highly-detailed multiple acoustic pianos, vintage EPs, and a compendium of electro-mechanical, transistorized, tape-driven, analogue and early digital keyboards. They are much easier to access under my Hammond in my two tier set up compared to my Yamaha P200. Speakers are very important for digital pianos built around home-based use, but the same doesn’t apply for stage pianos. I really love the electric pianos on the Korg myself. These are more modern takes on the stage piano formula, with a focus on flexibility and customization. At first glance, The Korg SV-2 is a very attractive looking stage piano, much like its predecessor. The latter has more sounds in its preset library, and it also has more robust editing and a larger selection of effects, all for a near identical price. Best Digital Pianos & Keyboards In 2020 – All Price Points. While I wouldn’t say these sounds are ready to be used in trailer music composition, they are perfectly functional for layering over other sounds. On the front panel, there is also a 1/4” headphone jack, which you might want to use for monitoring purposes. As we discussed previously, the speakers don’t add much to the weight, so portability isn’t affected too much. The body is primarily metal, and there’s a nice glossy sheen that emulates the look of the original SV-1. Either way, this is a small, yet very useful feature that most pianists don’t realize they need, especially if your parts require a lot of preset switching. An update on the already popular SV1. SV-2 Stage Vintage. I’ve been trying with garage band and also with just one line out cord, which I don’t think is the best idea. While I didn’t find much to complain about with the defaults, you could just as easily tweak it to fit your personal preferences. I personally wouldn’t consider the Kronos or Grandstage particularly eye-catching, so the SV-2 serves as a great trend breaker. Key to the Wavestation’s character were two elements: the vector synthesis inherited from Sequential, which allowed users to crossfade between four separate waves, and its own wave-sequencing engine, whereby multiple waves can be assigned to a sound sequenti… If you want power and flexibility, I recommend checking out our Roland RD-2000, Korg Grandstage, and Yamaha CP-88 reviews to see if those might be preferable choices for you. He is now happy to share his knowledge of the industry here, at Piano Dreamers. Korg used their famous RH3 key-bed for both the SV-1 and the SV-2. This is also how you’ll connect the SV-2 to the software editor. Best Korg Digital Pianos From Budget To Pro 2021, Best Digital Pianos Under $500 – Expert Reviews. The music stand is, in my subjective opinion, really beautiful, and it manages to mesh with the retro curved design of the SV-2. Have you checked our guide on recording a digital piano? FREE SHIPPING ALLOWANCE OVER $99* Search by Web ID, … Do you find YouTube videos embedded into posts helpful? While the SV-1 sounded good at the time, it does show its age when pitted against modern keyboards and pianos. Since there’s no modulation wheel on the SV-2, you might want to work with an expression pedal to modulate parameters during play. As usual, I find myself liking Korg’s ‘Japanese Grand’ preset most often. However, the SV-2, right out of the box, delivers a simple, yet enjoyable keyboard playing experience, and that has to count for something. With that out of the way, let’s dive straight into the review, and find out if the SV-2 is worth it. The big problem I have is the lack of mobile app support. If your pedal supports half-dampering, you can also use it. On the original SV-1, many debated as to whether the tube actually affected the audio signal (it did), but many saw it as a simple cosmetic gimmick. I don’t like how Korg forces you to use the external software to really get the most out of the SV-2. However, anyone who’s spent time with it will probably be able to identify a few issues. However, there is a minor limitation with this, particularly when the amp simulator is being used. I would say that this is more for advanced players because of its price. All items ship from Canada - 100% Canadian Owned; Sign In or New Customer; Contact Us; TOLL FREE 1-(888)-472-0070. The Korg Grandstage exists, and has the same MSRP as the top-tier SV-2, which puts them in direct competition with each other. This feature is something that’s been cropping up more in recent years. The USB to Host port uses a Type B connector and is what you will use to connect the SV-2 to your PC or Mac. Our Korg SV-2S review will take a look at everything it has to offer, who it’s best for, and how it compares to its predecessor. Having worked in a music store for over 7 years, Lucas has found passion in helping others choose the most suitable instrument for them.